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Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology
A cross-genre anthology edited by authors and editors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell featuring short stories from stellar writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This is the debut anthology for Stars and Sabers Publishing. Authors include Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ai Jiang, Alice James, Antony Johnston, Cynthia Pelayo, D.K. Stone, David Quantick, Dennis K. Crosby, Eugen Bacon, Gemma Amor, Greg van Eekhout, Helen Glynn Jones, J.L. Worrad, John Wiswell, Jonathan L. Howard, Kali Wallace, KC Grifant, Khan Wong, Laurel Hightower, Lizbeth Myles, Mya Duong, Paul Cornell, Pedro Iniguez, Peter McLean, Ren Hutchings, Renan Bernardo, Sarah L. Miles, Stark Holborn, and T.L. Huchu.
356 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Jendia Gammon
27 books37 followersJendia Gammon is a Nebula and BSFA Awards finalist author of fantasy, science fiction, and horror novels and short stories. She is also CEO of Roaring Spring Productions, LLC and Editor-in-Chief of its publishing imprint, Stars and Sabers Publishing. She has also written under the pen name J. Dianne Dotson. Born in Southern Appalachia, Jendia now lives in Los Angeles with her family.
Jendia conducts workshops and participates in panels on creative writing for conventions around the world. She holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jendia is also a science writer and an artist.
Jendia conducts workshops and participates in panels on creative writing for conventions around the world. She holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jendia is also a science writer and an artist.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 18, 2024
Like a symphony orchestra, a successful anthology requires both skilled artists and good direction. In Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers, editors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell, have brought together singular voices working in various genres to achieve a beautiful harmony that celebrates all things speculative. This book is ideal for readers who love science fiction, fantasy, and horror, as well as those new to these genres.
March 3, 2025
This is an excellent anthology. I'm looking forward to reading more anthologies (and other projects) from Stars and Sabers. They work with an exciting selection of authors. If this is any indication of what's to come, I'll continue to be a huge fan.
January 11, 2025
An anthology of short stories across the genres of fantasy, science-fiction and horror. The genres blend in creative ways that play with form and attest to the freedom of mind that small presses can achieve.
New and established author band together, writing standalone stories, stories set in shared universes, and stories from other series the author has published.
African juju, body-horror and a woman who eats shadows. Gory, grimdark take on the afterlife. A necromantic take on Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. A choose-your-own-adventure story you must read with a coin in hand. And many more.
Of Shadows, Stars and Sabers gathers a diverse authorship writing a panoply of different stories. Although some of them were a bit too experimental and abstract for me, I enjoyed discovering all these new perspectives.
New and established author band together, writing standalone stories, stories set in shared universes, and stories from other series the author has published.
African juju, body-horror and a woman who eats shadows. Gory, grimdark take on the afterlife. A necromantic take on Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. A choose-your-own-adventure story you must read with a coin in hand. And many more.
Of Shadows, Stars and Sabers gathers a diverse authorship writing a panoply of different stories. Although some of them were a bit too experimental and abstract for me, I enjoyed discovering all these new perspectives.
February 18, 2025
An impressive varied anthology jumping subgenres every story which gives it a level of unpredictability that reminds me more from classic anthologies. Lots of fun to suit all tastes
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
February 23, 2025
Excellent anthology! I am honored to have a story in it, and am blown away by the variety and skill of the authors in this collection.
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this short story collection. Standouts for me were "Cruel Machinations" by Pedro Inguez, "A Hundred Thousand Eyes Gaze Upon the Core of You" by Khan Wong, and "Holy Fools" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I look forward to reading more of the upcoming collections from Star's & Sabers.
February 25, 2025
Book Review: **Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology**
**Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)**
**Editors**: Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell
**Publisher**: Stars and Sabers Publishing
**Genre**: Cross-genre (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror)
**Overview**:
"Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology" is an exhilarating collection that seamlessly blends the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Edited by the talented Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell, this debut anthology from Stars and Sabers Publishing showcases the work of some of the most inventive voices in speculative fiction. With a stellar lineup of authors including Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ai Jiang, and Cynthia Pelayo, readers are treated to a diverse array of stories that are both thought-provoking and thrilling.
**Review**:
The anthology delivers on every promise, offering a captivating journey through different worlds and dimensions. Each story is a gem, contributing to the overarching themes of mystery, wonder, and existential reflection.
Adrian Tchaikovsky's contribution is nothing short of spectacular, weaving intricate world-building with deep character development. In contrast, Ai Jiang's tale brings a hauntingly beautiful exploration of human emotions and the supernatural. Cynthia Pelayo's horror entry sends chills down the spine, proving her prowess in the genre.
The variety in storytelling styles and genres ensures there's something for every reader, making the anthology a page-turner from start to finish. The editors, Gammon and Powell, have done a masterful job curating a collection that is cohesive yet diverse, each story enhancing the other. This balance of thematic depth and entertainment value sets the anthology apart.
**Strengths**:
- **Diverse Voices**: The inclusion of multiple acclaimed authors brings a rich diversity of perspectives and writing styles.
- **Engaging Storytelling**: Each story is meticulously crafted, with engaging plots and well-developed characters.
- **Cross-genre Appeal**: The blending of science fiction, fantasy, and horror offers something for fans of all three genres.
**Weaknesses**:
- **Variety of Styles**: While the diversity is a strength, some readers may find the shifts in style and tone jarring. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise exceptional collection.
**Conclusion**:
"Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology" is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. Its blend of cross-genre tales, stellar author lineup, and thoughtful curation make it a standout debut from Stars and Sabers Publishing. Whether you're a longtime lover of science fiction, fantasy, or horror, or new to the genres, this anthology is sure to leave a lasting impression. Five stars, and highly recommended!
**Author Highlights**:
- **Adrian Tchaikovsky**: An award-winning British author known for his science fiction and fantasy works. He has won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the British Fantasy Award.
- **Ai Jiang**: A rising star in speculative fiction, known for her haunting and emotionally resonant stories.
- **Cynthia Pelayo**: An acclaimed horror writer whose works often explore themes of folklore and urban legends. She has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award.
- **Paul Cornell**: A versatile writer known for his work in science fiction, fantasy, and comics. He has written for "Doctor Who" and has been nominated for the Hugo Award.
- **Gemma Amor**: A horror author and illustrator, known for her chilling and atmospheric stories. She has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award.
- **Greg van Eekhout**: An author of science fiction and fantasy, known for his engaging and imaginative storytelling. He has been nominated for the Nebula Award.
- **Ren Hutchings**: A science fiction writer whose works often explore themes of space exploration and human resilience.
This anthology brings together a diverse group of authors, each contributing their unique voice and style to create a rich and varied collection of stories.
Happy reading 🚀💀👥🗡️📚
**Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)**
**Editors**: Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell
**Publisher**: Stars and Sabers Publishing
**Genre**: Cross-genre (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror)
**Overview**:
"Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology" is an exhilarating collection that seamlessly blends the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Edited by the talented Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell, this debut anthology from Stars and Sabers Publishing showcases the work of some of the most inventive voices in speculative fiction. With a stellar lineup of authors including Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ai Jiang, and Cynthia Pelayo, readers are treated to a diverse array of stories that are both thought-provoking and thrilling.
**Review**:
The anthology delivers on every promise, offering a captivating journey through different worlds and dimensions. Each story is a gem, contributing to the overarching themes of mystery, wonder, and existential reflection.
Adrian Tchaikovsky's contribution is nothing short of spectacular, weaving intricate world-building with deep character development. In contrast, Ai Jiang's tale brings a hauntingly beautiful exploration of human emotions and the supernatural. Cynthia Pelayo's horror entry sends chills down the spine, proving her prowess in the genre.
The variety in storytelling styles and genres ensures there's something for every reader, making the anthology a page-turner from start to finish. The editors, Gammon and Powell, have done a masterful job curating a collection that is cohesive yet diverse, each story enhancing the other. This balance of thematic depth and entertainment value sets the anthology apart.
**Strengths**:
- **Diverse Voices**: The inclusion of multiple acclaimed authors brings a rich diversity of perspectives and writing styles.
- **Engaging Storytelling**: Each story is meticulously crafted, with engaging plots and well-developed characters.
- **Cross-genre Appeal**: The blending of science fiction, fantasy, and horror offers something for fans of all three genres.
**Weaknesses**:
- **Variety of Styles**: While the diversity is a strength, some readers may find the shifts in style and tone jarring. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise exceptional collection.
**Conclusion**:
"Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers: An Anthology" is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. Its blend of cross-genre tales, stellar author lineup, and thoughtful curation make it a standout debut from Stars and Sabers Publishing. Whether you're a longtime lover of science fiction, fantasy, or horror, or new to the genres, this anthology is sure to leave a lasting impression. Five stars, and highly recommended!
**Author Highlights**:
- **Adrian Tchaikovsky**: An award-winning British author known for his science fiction and fantasy works. He has won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the British Fantasy Award.
- **Ai Jiang**: A rising star in speculative fiction, known for her haunting and emotionally resonant stories.
- **Cynthia Pelayo**: An acclaimed horror writer whose works often explore themes of folklore and urban legends. She has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award.
- **Paul Cornell**: A versatile writer known for his work in science fiction, fantasy, and comics. He has written for "Doctor Who" and has been nominated for the Hugo Award.
- **Gemma Amor**: A horror author and illustrator, known for her chilling and atmospheric stories. She has been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award.
- **Greg van Eekhout**: An author of science fiction and fantasy, known for his engaging and imaginative storytelling. He has been nominated for the Nebula Award.
- **Ren Hutchings**: A science fiction writer whose works often explore themes of space exploration and human resilience.
This anthology brings together a diverse group of authors, each contributing their unique voice and style to create a rich and varied collection of stories.
Happy reading 🚀💀👥🗡️📚
February 10, 2025
What a great anthology!
I loved how these short stories spanned so many genres. From science fiction to fantasy, folklore to dreamscapes, horror to interstellar travel. This is a wonderful introduction to so many genres.
I really enjoyed this anthology, it gave me a sense of nostalgia with an adult feel. It helped me out of a reading slump with its multiple stories from several authors. Even though the stories are written differently as each author has their own style, the order and flow of the entire book was seamless. I’ll be recommending this to readers looking to dip their toes into something new!
I loved how these short stories spanned so many genres. From science fiction to fantasy, folklore to dreamscapes, horror to interstellar travel. This is a wonderful introduction to so many genres.
I really enjoyed this anthology, it gave me a sense of nostalgia with an adult feel. It helped me out of a reading slump with its multiple stories from several authors. Even though the stories are written differently as each author has their own style, the order and flow of the entire book was seamless. I’ll be recommending this to readers looking to dip their toes into something new!
February 23, 2025
I love how this anthology is thoughtfully arranged into three categories: Shadows, Stars, and Sabers. Initially, I expected a pure sci-fi collection, but I was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing variety—horror, suspense, unexpected twists, and even stories that simply make you feel good. It became my perfect bedtime read. I’d finish a story each night and look forward to a completely different experience the next day. When a particular story captivated me, I found myself flipping to the back to read the author’s biography. This collection is a fantastic introduction to so many creative writers, seamlessly arranged to keep you engaged from start to finish.
May 13, 2025
It’s easy to say that this is one of the best short story anthologies that I’ve ever read, but it’s no surprise considering the absolute stacked list of authors contributing. Each story transports you into a totally new and at times bizarre (in the best possible way) world. Such a range of stories and yet they all fit. A must read for sci-fi and fantasy lovers.
February 18, 2025
Favorites: Holy Fools, Existence: A Thought Experiment, His Lord Recalcitrant, A Species Called Hope.
March 1, 2025
On kobo (EPub 3 Adobe DRM) 364 pages
A variety of stories from a large number of writers, some familiar names in there but a lot of 'new' ones (to me). As in any anthology some are more to my taste than others - and I was amused to see the number of stories with an Alice as a character...
A variety of stories from a large number of writers, some familiar names in there but a lot of 'new' ones (to me). As in any anthology some are more to my taste than others - and I was amused to see the number of stories with an Alice as a character...
July 2, 2025
Looooooved this even more than I thought I would!
June 27, 2025
4.5 stars
June 5, 2025
Honestly, this is one of the best ways I've seen to introduce a new publisher. This anthology introduces a range of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy with some household fantasy names (Adrian Tchaikovsky, Paul Cornell, Ai Jiang) and other authors they'll be publishing in the future. Great range of contributors and subjects.
August 17, 2025
One of the joys of reading a good anthology is getting to discover new authors, and new stories from those you may already be familiar with. "Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers," the first release from the recently-formed Stars and Sabers Publishing did just that for me, providing a feast of speculative-fiction tales spanning the horror, science fiction, and fantasy sub-genres that left me feeling pleasantly stuffed and satisfied.
There's a lot to take in with this collection as the stories touch on a variety of subjects and themes, and are executed with a plethora of distinct styles that show off many of the different flavors of the aforementioned categories. Horror, for example, is represented via quiet subtlety, psychological terror, overt gore, and gothic flourishes, among other methodologies. This provides something for just about every taste, which consequently means that those seeking variety will likely be the most receptive to the majority of what's on offer.
A few of the stories are fairly basic and straightforward, relying on simple hooks or a single narrative device or plot element to carry the reader to their at times somewhat predictable ends but the vast majority of the tales are quite layered, nuanced, and detailed, particularly given their average length, and serve as excellent examples of the talents of their respective authors.
In short, if you're a fan of speculative fiction in its many engaging and thought-provoking forms, or even if you're simply a fan of good writing who's curious about the overarching genre, "Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers" is an experience I'd highly recommend.
There's a lot to take in with this collection as the stories touch on a variety of subjects and themes, and are executed with a plethora of distinct styles that show off many of the different flavors of the aforementioned categories. Horror, for example, is represented via quiet subtlety, psychological terror, overt gore, and gothic flourishes, among other methodologies. This provides something for just about every taste, which consequently means that those seeking variety will likely be the most receptive to the majority of what's on offer.
A few of the stories are fairly basic and straightforward, relying on simple hooks or a single narrative device or plot element to carry the reader to their at times somewhat predictable ends but the vast majority of the tales are quite layered, nuanced, and detailed, particularly given their average length, and serve as excellent examples of the talents of their respective authors.
In short, if you're a fan of speculative fiction in its many engaging and thought-provoking forms, or even if you're simply a fan of good writing who's curious about the overarching genre, "Of Shadows, Stars, and Sabers" is an experience I'd highly recommend.
February 28, 2025
A fantastic anthology for fans of anything and everything speculative. The diversity of voices and styles and subject is wonderful, and I love how the twenty-nine stories are arranged into themed sections. Every story has its unique charms and twists and there are so many brilliant concepts from trippy sci-fi to disturbing horror and imaginative fantasy which I won't spoil. Each story sticks with you in its own way, and I have to mention a sort of choose your own adventure story you play with a coin, and there's another in the form of a Wikipedia article! This new publisher really knows how to select a perfect variety of authors and craft their stories into a brilliant array of the speculative.
August 3, 2025
A really engaging anthology of genre fiction short stories. World building and character building at its core, each story felt unique in writing style, in genre, and in structure. My favorites, which really ratcheted this rating up to 5 stars, were the following:
[Of the Shadows]
Morgen's Cottage by Helen Glynn Jones
Sing Yourself Back to Sleep by Laurel Hightower
[An Earth So Strange]
The Fire Tower by D.K. Stone
[To the Moon and Stars]
Unremarkable by Alice James
Grey by Ren Hutchings
[By the Saber and the Spell]
Holy Fools by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Hunger and the Lady by Peter McLean
[Toward the Light]
The Companionship of Lighthouses by Lizbeth Myles
A Species Call Hope by Ai Jiang
[Of the Shadows]
Morgen's Cottage by Helen Glynn Jones
Sing Yourself Back to Sleep by Laurel Hightower
[An Earth So Strange]
The Fire Tower by D.K. Stone
[To the Moon and Stars]
Unremarkable by Alice James
Grey by Ren Hutchings
[By the Saber and the Spell]
Holy Fools by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Hunger and the Lady by Peter McLean
[Toward the Light]
The Companionship of Lighthouses by Lizbeth Myles
A Species Call Hope by Ai Jiang
August 21, 2025
A cross-genre anthology edited by authors and editors Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell featuring short stories from stellar writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This is the debut anthology for Stars and Sabers Publishing. Authors include Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ai Jiang, Alice James, Antony Johnston, Cynthia Pelayo, D.K. Stone, David Quantick, Dennis K. Crosby, Eugen Bacon, Gemma Amor, Greg van Eekhout, Helen Glynn Jones, J.L. Worrad, John Wiswell, Jonathan L. Howard, Kali Wallace, KC Grifant, Khan Wong, Laurel Hightower, Lizbeth Myles, Mya Duong, Paul Cornell, Pedro Iniguez, Peter McLean, Ren Hutchings, Renan Bernardo, Sarah L. Miles, Stark Holborn, and T.L. Huchu.
April 13, 2025
Short stories aren't my favorite so I had trouble getting into this. I mostly bought it for the Jonathan L. Howard story with Johannes Cabal so of course that was the highlight for me.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews